2021-2022 Low GPA High MCAT Thread

[Bees20]

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Good luck! I have very similar stats and was recently accepted.

Thank you man. You mind asking where?

 

[BioPsychotic]

Thank you man. You mind asking where?

I will DM you.

 

[Pico25]

Nontrad, 5 years research in biotech industry.

3.6 cGPA, 3.5 sGPA, 522 MCAT. Honestly hard to judge where I stand. Questioning whether I'm wasting my time with lower tier schools that are "yield protected" or with top schools where my GPA is significantly below their average.

As of now I've received one II. Thought the interview went well, but definitely stressed having so much riding on it.

I know I'm not the greatest writer but I really thought I'd get more than one interview all things considered.

 

[deleted1077794]

committee letter submitted 9/10
3.53 cGPA/3.45 sGPA
522
ORM
hoping for the best, despite the later application completions and mid/low cGPA and sGPA

Just thought I'd give everyone an update.
4 interviews
1 R/1 low priority WL/ waiting on 2 schools post-II

I would like to reapply but am conflicted on whether to apply this year (application not significantly different since I'm continuing my research job) or wait another year (2023-2024) but would have to retake the MCAT since I took it September 2020.

I do think my writing could have been much better, and my school list could also be a little less top heavy considering my lower gpa.

I'm lacking direction and guidance, so it's been a little nervewracking. Could someone point me in the right forum/direction?

 

[LunaOri]

Just thought I'd give everyone an update.
4 interviews
1 R/1 low priority WL/ waiting on 2 schools post-II

I would like to reapply but am conflicted on whether to apply this year (application not significantly different since I'm continuing my research job) or wait another year (2023-2024) but would have to retake the MCAT since I took it September 2020.

I do think my writing could have been much better, and my school list could also be a little less top heavy considering my lower gpa.

I'm lacking direction and guidance, so it's been a little nervewracking. Could someone point me in the right forum/direction?

Post in the WAMC forum here on SDN.

 

[KnightDoc]

Just thought I'd give everyone an update.
4 interviews
1 R/1 low priority WL/ waiting on 2 schools post-II

I would like to reapply but am conflicted on whether to apply this year (application not significantly different since I'm continuing my research job) or wait another year (2023-2024) but would have to retake the MCAT since I took it September 2020.

I do think my writing could have been much better, and my school list could also be a little less top heavy considering my lower gpa.

I'm lacking direction and guidance, so it's been a little nervewracking. Could someone point me in the right forum/direction?

If you don't get in this cycle, is there a reason you aren't considering doing something about your GPA before reapplying?

It really looks like 30 post-bacc credits at 3.8-4.0 will do more to improve your application than anything else you can possibly do. Having only 4 IIs with a 522 MCAT makes it pretty clear that it's your GPA that is holding you back. Fixing other elements of your application that don't need fixing is unlikely to lead to a materially different result. The rest of your application must be pretty good, otherwise you wouldn't have had any IIs. JMHO.

 

[cander67]

Just thought I'd give everyone an update.

4 interviews
1 R/1 low priority WL/ waiting on 2 schools post-II

I would like to reapply but am conflicted on whether to apply this year (application not significantly different since I'm continuing my research job) or wait another year (2023-2024) but would have to retake the MCAT since I took it September 2020.

I do think my writing could have been much better, and my school list could also be a little less top heavy considering my lower gpa.

I'm lacking direction and guidance, so it's been a little nervewracking. Could someone point me in the right forum/direction?

If I were you I would reapply but apply to more mid-low tier MD schools and also some DO schools. I am in a similar situation as you with 3.6 gpa 3.45 sgpa and 518 MCAT and I’ve interviewed at 5 MD schools but only been accepted to DO programs up to now. With our low sgpa getting into an MD program is always a gamble as ORM. If you really want to be a physician DO schools can theoretically get you into any specialty if you work hard enough.

 

[BioPsychotic]

If you have a low GPA, having DO schools on your list is a must.

 

[Morningnight]

Just thought I'd give everyone an update.
4 interviews
1 R/1 low priority WL/ waiting on 2 schools post-II

I would like to reapply but am conflicted on whether to apply this year (application not significantly different since I'm continuing my research job) or wait another year (2023-2024) but would have to retake the MCAT since I took it September 2020.

I do think my writing could have been much better, and my school list could also be a little less top heavy considering my lower gpa.

I'm lacking direction and guidance, so it's been a little nervewracking. Could someone point me in the right forum/direction?

Hello friend! Wanted to ask how your clinical experience or non-clinical volunteering looks? I assume your research experiences are abundant since you are already working a research job. Similar stats profile as you, and stats largely have not been a problem for me this cycle.

 

[dancerdoc_x]

3.6x cGPA, 3.5x sGPA, 517 MCAT (not crazy high but still). Currently in my second year of a 2 year clinical research position post undergrad. Applied to 36 schools (broad range from low to high tier). Let's see how this cycle goes! Good luck all!

Hey all, thought I would also update on my cycle thus far after seeing some posts.

I received 6 MD II's and have gotten 3 As so far which I'm so extremely grateful for. Got 1 WL and waiting on the other two decisions post interview. I don't necessary think a lower sGPA as an ORM is fatal as I've received a solid amount of love from a wide range of schools, including two T20s if that matters, though this may be a factor of my upward GPA trend so I would take this with a grain of salt.

I think what led to my cycle success is honestly the narrative of my app, as it's been brought up in all of my interviews thus far.

 

[typhoon1]

Any updates or cycle recaps?

 

[thedude6512]

Any updates or cycle recaps?

Yeah, no prob. I submitted secondaries to 3 DO and 6 MD with a 3.2 GPA and 516 MCAT. I had 2 DO acceptances, 4 MD IIs (one of which I withdrew before the interview), 2 MD acceptances (in-state for both), and I’m waiting to hear back from the other MD that I interviewed with.

Like dancerdoc_x said, I think my narrative and how I described my experiences played a big role.

 

[CoolBreezes]

Update: I ended up being complete at 23 schools by early August, received IIs to more than half of them, have 1 pre-II R and several As so far. Good luck certainly played a part in my success this cycle, but customizing and writing multiple drafts of every secondary essay probably helped too.

As far as school list goes, it was a mix of public schools in states I have very strong ties to and private schools I felt that I could write a strong case for why I would be a good fit there. I decided against applying to some schools where my MCAT was not above their 90th %ile and my sGPA was below their median - it seemed like it would be hard to catch a screener's eye in that situation.

I hope that this post helps others in our situation.

Final update: Received 13 IIs (all MD) between July and December; 12 As and 1 WL received between October and February.

 

[skaran17]

Final update: Received 13 IIs (all MD) between July and December; 12 As and 1 WL received between October and February.

Holy crap. Do you have an x-factor or anything? What do you think made your cycle so successful?

 

[Morningnight]

Joining in this conversation, 3.54 cGPA, 3.53 sGPA, 520 MCAT. Let’s keep the updates going, and LETS GET THIS YALL!!

Hi y'all, just wanted to add some updates as my cycle winds down. Was fortunate to receive 21 IIs (attended 16 of them) between July and February. 10 MD A's, 5 WL's, and 1 post-II R.

 

[stinkycheeseperson]

Hi y'all, just wanted to add some updates as my cycle winds down. Was fortunate to receive 21 IIs (attended 16 of them) between July and February. 9 MD A's, 5 WL's, 1 R, and 1 still waiting post-II decision.

 

[cander67]

3.6x gpa 3.4x sgpa. 518 MCAT. 40 MD Primaries and 14 DO. One DO II already so hopefully this cycle continues to go well. Good luck everyone.

I ended up with 5 MD II and 5 DO II with 3 DO A's 1 MD waitlist and 2 MD A’s!

 

[ellia]

I ended up with 5 MD II and 5 DO II with 3 DO A's 2 MD waitlists and 1 MD A!

Would you be willing to share where?

 

[cander67]

Would you be willing to share where?

I’ll DM you!

 

[LunaOri]

Perhaps those who were lucky enough to receive I’s/A’s could DM the names of those schools to the moderator, who could compile a list of “friendly” schools for future applicants?

 

[barrelgrubber321]

can't believe I only just now found this thread

Perhaps those who were lucky enough to receive I’s/A’s could DM the names of those schools to the moderator, who could compile a list of “friendly” schools for future applicants?

^this would be super helpful as I will likely be reapplying for a 3rd time..

slightly non-trad: 3.1cGPA undergrad 3.4sGPA and 3.6 SMP GPA with a 516 MCAT
no interviews and probably need to re-write everything in my primary to get my narrative right
probably going to move into finance and start to establish a plan B career path :/

 

[Morningnight]

Perhaps those who were lucky enough to receive I’s/A’s could DM the names of those schools to the moderator, who could compile a list of “friendly” schools for future applicants?

can't believe I only just now found this thread

Goro's reinvention school list is what I had the most success with!

Your state school(s)
Tulane
NYMC
Albany
Drexel
Gtown
GWU
U Miami
USF Morsani
Pitt
Mayo
Hofstra
EVMS
Wake Forest
Tufts
Darmouth
Loyola
BU
Duke
Columbia
UCSF
UCLA
Case Western
Vanderbilt
Rosalind Franklin
New MD schools (Not CNU)

 

[LunaOri]

Goro's list isn't bad, although I think it's a little top-heavy. I'd definitely add UVM/Larner to the list.

 

[futuredoc2515]

516 MCAT / 3.55 GPA, did not apply broadly, 15 schools, 1 II --> 1 WL. Advice for reapplying? Considering early decision to my state school (which was my 1 II and 1 WL), but not 100% sure what to do

 

[Morningnight]

516 MCAT / 3.55 GPA, did not apply broadly, 15 schools, 1 II --> 1 WL. Advice for reapplying? Considering early decision to my state school (which was my 1 II and 1 WL), but not 100% sure what to do

Would recommend applying broadly and to more schools if you are financially able. Schools that I thought I had little shot at ended up interviewing and accepting me, while very few schools that I thought I had a good shot at based on numbers/mission/ties extended interviews to me.

Edit: I think general advice is to also apply to DO on reapps.

 

[Goopy]

3.5 cGPA, 3.4 sGPA, 520 MCAT here. 1 gap year with strong research. Applying somewhat broadly to ~30 MD schools including some high tier reaches because I gotta shoot my shot.

I just committed to my top choice, so my cycle is finally over. Here’s my end-of-cycle update!

27 secondaries -> 6 II -> 1 R and 5 As (2 from WL)

Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread. Congrats to those who had success this cycle, and good luck to future applicants!

 

[ellia]

I just committed to my top choice, so my cycle is finally over. Here’s my end-of-cycle update!

27 secondaries -> 6 II -> 1 R and 5 As (2 from WL)

Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread. Congrats to those who had success this cycle, and good luck to future applicants!

Would you mind sharing which schools you got interviews at?

 

[ellia]

Would recommend applying broadly and to more schools if you are financially able. Schools that I thought I had little shot at ended up interviewing and accepting me, while very few schools that I thought I had a good shot at based on numbers/mission/ties extended interviews to me.

Edit: I think general advice is to also apply to DO on reapps.

You had 21 interview invites?!?!